Getting rid of a chest cough and phlegm: natural solutions

A chesty cough, also known as a productive cough, is characterised by the presence of thick secretions or phlegm in the airways. It is often the result of irritation or inflammation of the nose, throat or upper respiratory tract. Unlike a dry cough, which is irritating and does not produce mucus, a productive cough is accompanied by sputum or phlegm.

When the airways are inflamed, the body produces mucus to protect them from irritants or infections. This build-up of mucus can lead to a feeling of congestion in the chest and throat, which causes a productive cough. This cough is actually the body’s natural mechanism for expelling excess secretions and impurities from the airways, which helps to clear the airways and make breathing more easily.

Colds, flu, bronchitis, laryngitis, smoking… these are all factors that may be causing your productive cough. A productive cough is not an illness in itself, but rather a symptom caused by an infection or bronchial inflammation. In response to this attack, the bronchi produce secretions which, filled with microbes and other impurities, are coughed up. To make this process easier, adopt some simple habits in your daily life:

• Drink: to thin the secretions and thus help clear them. Drinking hot drinks regularly will soothe your throat. You can add lemon for its antiseptic properties and honey for its soothing properties

• Air out your home every day : and maintain a temperature of 18–19°C in your bedroom; this will help ensure air that is healthy and not too dry. Use a humidifier if the air in your home is very dry

• Stop smoking or using any other irritants to the mucous membranes: cigarettesmoke makes symptoms worse

• Get some rest : rest helps the body fight off the infection

• Do not force yourself to eat if you are not hungry. Temporarily exclude mucus-producing and pro-inflammatory foods from your diet: refined sugars, alcohol, red meat, and dairy products in particular

• Try inhalation treatments to relieve your cough.

Self-medication is strongly discouraged. Seek medical advice to treat your cough. The remedies below are not intended to treat your cough, but to provide relief.  

Lozenges

Lozenges are an effective way to soothe the throat and promote throat health. A powerful blend of peppermint and lemon essential oils, marshmallow extract, propolis and honey has been developed to soothe a cough. It has an intense, fresh, lemony flavour with a pleasant hint of honey.

Discover the Throat Lozenges

Essential oils

Organic Eucalyptus globulus essential oil

The expectorant: With a high eucalyptol content, eucalyptus globulus essential oil is known for its powerful anti-catarrhal and expectorant effects: it helps to thin mucus in the respiratory tract and clear it away. It also has antiviral and immune-boosting properties, making it ideal for combating winter respiratory infections.

Discover organic Eucalyptus globulus essential oil

Precautions for use: Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in children under 6 years of age. Not recommended for people with asthma and/or epilepsy due to the high content of 1,8-cineole (particularly when inhaled or diffused). Oral use is not recommended for this essential oil. There are potential interactions with medication (due to its 1,8-cineole content, which acts as an inducer of certain enzymes); do not use orally without medical advice whilst taking medication. This essential oil is very potent and may cause irritation in some people when diffused. In this case, mix it with milder essential oils (true lavender, balsam fir, etc.) or opt for Eucalyptus smithii or radiata instead. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.

Organic Corsican verbenone-rich rosemary essential oil

The mucolytic: Rich in ketones, verbenone-rich Corsican rosemary essential oil has mucolytic properties, helping to thin mucus in cases of bronchial congestion. It is used topically in diluted form, rubbed onto the chest and upper back to help clear the bronchi and open up the airways in cases of a productive cough.

Discover organic Corsican rosemary verbenone essential oil

Precautions for use : This oil contains ketones, which pose a neurotoxic and abortifacient risk. Consequently, do not use during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding, nor on children under 7 years of age, people with epilepsy or vulnerable elderly people. It may have a ‘progesterone-like’ effect, which should be taken into account in cases of hormonal problems. It is contraindicated in cases of mastosis or a history of hormone-dependent cancers (breast, ovarian or endometrial cancer).

Siberian Fir essential oil

The decongestant: A respiratory antiseptic and bronchial decongestant, Siberian fir essential oil is essential for clearing congested airways. Its antispasmodic and soothing effects effectively complement its cough-suppressing action. Its resinous scent is particularly appreciated when diffused or inhaled.

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Precautions for use : Not recommended during pregnancy, whilst breastfeeding or for children under 6 years of age. Do not apply to mucous membranes.

It is possible to take preventative measures to stop irritants from entering our airways and damaging our mucous membranes. Boosting our immunity is a good habit to get into. 

Zinc

Zinc contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. The highly bioavailable zinc formula in Aroma-Zone’s Zinc Bisglycinate tablets provides 100 per cent of the recommended daily intake.

Discover Zinc Bisglycinate: Dietary supplement – Aroma Zone

Precautions : Use should be limited to a few weeks or months. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements. For adults only.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D3 supports the normal functioning of the immune system. It is particularly recommended when exposure to sunlight is limited.

Discover vegan Vitamin D3 – Food supplement – Aroma-Zone

Precautions: Do not use on children under 3 years of age. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

Generally speaking, a productive cough that lasts for more than a week in children or pregnant women, or which is accompanied by pain, fever and sputum, must be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.

During pregnancy, whilst breastfeeding and in children under 6 years of age, the use of essential oils should be limited as a precaution. If they must be used, this should only be on medical advice. Please refer to the specific instructions for each essential oil.

Although essential oils can be beneficial in relieving a productive cough, it is important to take certain precautions, particularly for certain groups of people. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children, people with epilepsy, and those with asthma or respiratory problems should consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils.

Furthermore, some essential oils may irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions in certain sensitive individuals. It is therefore recommended to carry out a skin tolerance test by diluting the essential oil in a vegetable oil before any topical application. If in doubt or in the event of an adverse reaction, it is best to stop using the product and consult a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

The properties, indications and methods of use listed below are quotations from reference books or websites on aromatherapy, hydrolat therapy and phytotherapy. This general information is provided for information purposes only and does not in any way constitute medical advice. Under no circumstances can this information replace a medical diagnosis, consultation or follow-up, nor does it engage our liability. We recommend that you consult the essential oils guide before using them, to familiarise yourself with the precautions. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Precautions

In the case of female hair loss, it is advisable to consult your GP to rule out any underlying medical causes. Furthermore, dietary supplements are only beneficial if they form part of a holistic approach, including, in particular, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Essential oils are powerful natural concentrates. Please refer carefully to the intended uses and precautions for use on each product information sheet. Store them in a suitable glass bottle, away from light and air. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding, or on children under 6 years of age. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Please consult the general safety information sheet for essential oils as well as the specific safety information sheet for each essential oil.

Maintaining a healthy immune system is essential for preventing coughs. Take vitamin D supplements, which are ideal for kick-starting the immune response. To get rid of a productive cough, also consider foot reflexology: use your thumb to massage the rounded area at the base of the toes on the sole of the foot to stimulate the reflex point corresponding to the lung area. To prevent night-time coughs, ensure the air in your bedroom is humid, particularly in winter.

A qualified practitioner in scientific aromatherapy, foot reflexology and olfactotherapy, Aude Maillard takes a comprehensive approach to essential oils, combining both scientific and energetic perspectives. Above all, she is passionate about essential oils and keen to share her knowledge. Aude Maillard currently runs Aroma-Zone aromatherapy workshops and is also available for personalised consultations.